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Bed and Breakfast Package at Enchantment Resort in Sedona

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National Parks and Monuments Update

NEW UPDATE:

October 11, 2013

Governor Jan Brewer Negotiates Deal to Reopen Grand Canyon

PHOENIX – Governor Jan Brewer today negotiated an agreement with the U.S. Department of Interior to reopen Grand Canyon National Park using state and local funds amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Reopening the Park has been a core focus of the Governor since the initial threat of the shutdown weeks ago.

"I'm gratified the Obama administration agreed to reverse its policy and allow Arizona to reopen Grand Canyon, Arizona's most treasured landmark and a crucial driver of revenue to the state," said Governor Brewer.

"With a long weekend in front of us, I am thrilled Grand Canyon will be open and fully operational – not only for our national and global travelers who have long-awaited to experience one of the world's Seven Natural Wonders, but for the nearby businesses and communities whose livelihood depends on the tourism it attracts. I must especially acknowledge Tusayan Mayor Greg Bryan, who has pledged private and town dollars to see this park reopened. I also thank the Arizona Office of Tourism, Arizona Department of Administration, the Arizona State Treasurer and private businesses for their leadership and contributions to this important effort.

"While this deal will buy us some time and bring back lost revenue to the state, I would hope our elected officials in Washington move urgently to negotiate an immediate end to this government standstill. Arizona is doing what it can to keep the Grand Canyon up and running, but we cannot pay the federal government's tab for long. That said, I am proud to announce Grand Canyon will be open for business for the Columbus Day weekend."

Under the agreement negotiated by Governor Brewer, the state will pay the National Park Service $651,000 – $93,000 per-day – to reopen Grand Canyon and fully fund park operations for up to at least seven days using state and other monies. The State of Arizona urges its congressional delegation to secure reimbursement of all state dollars used to reopen Grand Canyon. The state will continue to assess next steps if the federal shutdown has not ended in those seven days.

As of Oct.1, 2013, the federal government has shut down impacting the national parks and monuments. Visitors currently staying in accommodations in the parks, will have 48 hours to make alternative arrangements and depart the park. No new visitors will be allowed to enter and National Park Service facilities will be closed. The concessionaires will be allowed to keep the concessions open until the guests depart within 48 hours. Below is information more specific to the Grand Canyon National Park.

Grand Canyon

State Highway 64 is closed. Cars will not be allowed to stop and national park roads, trails and overlooks will be barricaded.

Air tours can continue to operate if the companies (primarily Papillon and Maverik) choose to do so.

Visitors in campgrounds above and below the rim will have 48 hours to leave the park. There is no way to notify visitors in the back country, but once they leave the park they will not be allowed to re-enter.

All recreational activities will stop. Visitors already in the park will not have access to mule rides, and/or trails.

Those with river permits will not be allowed to begins trips, but those who are currently on trips will be allowed to complete them.

Other iconic locations that will be open include:

Grand Canyon West will remain open as it operates on Hualapai Tribal Land.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument - Is operated jointly with the Navajo Nation. Campgrounds will remain open; however, the visitor center will be closed. Thunderbird Lodge will remain open and tours will continue to operate.

Instead of Grand Canyon Railway:

Verde Canyon Railroad from Clarkdale

Camping and RV parks near the Grand Canyon include:

Williams

Flagstaff

Below is a listing of the national parks and monuments closed as a result of the shutdown and a listing of alternate destinations that visitors can still experience.

Saguaro National Park – will be closed

Other natural attractions in southern Arizona which will remain open include:

Arizona Sonora Desert Museum

Catalina State Park

Kartchner Caverns State Park

Tohono Chul Park

Petrified Forest National Park – will be closed

Other attractions in the area that will remain open include:

Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Holbrook Historic Courthouse

Rock Art Canyon Ranch

Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Is operated jointly with the Navajo Nation. Campgrounds will remain open; however, the visitor center will be closed. Thunderbird Lodge will remain open and tours will continue to operate.

About VisitArizona.com This is the official Arizona travel and vacation guide from the Arizona Office of Tourism. Find in-depth AZ visitor information and videos about visiting the state of Arizona, including comprehensive directories of Arizona hotels, dining and shopping, as well as things to do and places to visit throughout the Grand Canyon State.